Raphaël Varane transfer position clarified amid Saudi Arabia links

Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane has been the subject of Saudi Arabia transfer links in recent days.

The Reds started their Premier League campaign earlier this month and have one win and one loss so far.

Despite creating the third-most ‘big chances’ across the league in the opening two fixtures, Erik ten Hag’s side have scored just once.

That came courtesy of the unlikely suspect Raphaël Varane, whose towering header secured victory against Wolves in United’s season opener.

The defender has been at United since the summer of 2021 and developed an impressive relationship with Lisandro Martinez after he signed in the following summer.

However, recent reports have suggested that an Old Trafford exit could be possible for the Frenchman, with the lure of Saudi Arabia continuing to impact European football.

It was reported by Sports Zone last week that Varane’s representatives had been contacted by Al Ittihad, where former national teammates N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema have moved – the pair were also said to be attempting to persuade the defender to join.

This was then followed up by reports from Saudi Arabia which stated that United’s no.19 had given positive indications of playing in the Saudi League.

Many top players have been moving across to the growing league this summer but losing Varane so late in the window, whilst still looking to buy a midfielder, would cause Ten Hag troubles.

However, emerging reports from reliable French journalist Julien Laurens has clarified Varane’s position, as well as squashed rumours of Saudi Arabia interest.

He stated that Varane has, in fact, not been contacted by any clubs from Saudi Arabia. The reporter then added that the defender is very happy at Old Trafford and would not want to leave even if he was to be contacted.

Despite his many honours earned during his time with Real Madrid, the 30-year-old remains hungry to win silverware with United.

He was part of the side that won the Carabao Cup last term to end a six year wait for a trophy and is keen to exceed that accomplishment this term. “We want to fight for every trophy. That’s the expectation for this club,” he told ESPN last month. “We want to grow as a team, be more consistent and fight to be at the top. That’s what we want.”